I have mobilized all resources of the European Commission for emergency response to the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal yesterday. The European Union is there to help when disaster strikes, no matter where.

European experts in humanitarian aid and civil protection who are on the ground in Nepal, assessing the needs and coordinating with our international partners. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is activated and we are in contact with Member States to provide search and rescue teams, medical units and shelter in the most affected areas of Nepal.

More aid is imminent and will be announced in the coming hours. We will work with all services of the European Union, most notably those responsible for development cooperation and the European External Action Service, as well as Member States, to help in the emergency phase but also to support recovery in Nepal.